unvollendet

Meaning in English

unvollendet means unfinished, incomplete, or not brought to an end. It describes something that has not been fully completed—often a work, project, task, or artistic piece.

Common contexts:

• an unfinished book, painting, symphony, building, plan, etc.
• something left in an incomplete state

Word parts

• un- = a prefix meaning “not / un-” (negation)
• vollendet = completed / perfected / finished (from vollenden = “to complete, bring to completion”)

So unvollendet literally means “not completed.”

Multiple meanings / nuances

1. Literally unfinished / incomplete
   • A task or object is not finished.
2. Figuratively not fully developed / not perfected
   • Something is not fully realized, mature, or brought to its intended form (often used in artistic or abstract contexts).

German synonyms

• unfertig (unfinished, not finished)
• nicht vollendet (not completed)
• unabgeschlossen (not completed, not concluded)
• unvollständig (incomplete; often more about missing parts)

German antonyms

• vollendet (completed, finished; sometimes “perfected”)
• fertig (done, ready)
• abgeschlossen (completed, concluded)
• vollständig (complete)